From the Midwest redneck author of "The Rooster Crows at 4am!," "Lizard Poop!," and "The Philippines Expat Advisor"
Return to Paradise, Part Three
Food, family and good times. One thing I should mention is eating while in the Philippines. When around family it seems eating is never done. I recall how in the mornings, we would enjoy our coffee (Nescafe 3-in-1) with freshly baked pandesal purchased from a rolling store (usually a honking bicycle with a big box on the back.)
Pandesal, or the “bread of salt’ is probably the most popular bread in the Philippines and is the favorite “agahan” or breakfast food of most Pinoys. Get it before 8am because it goes “out of stock” quickly. Our morning pandesal however, is the family’s way of curbing the appetite until the real breakfast is ready, usually consisting of rice, "kinilaw" (made from the mornings fresh fish catch), and just about anything else they could conjure up.
No sooner was breakfast over and preparations for lunch were already underway. Lunch, then more snacking, then supper, then pulutan (analogous to the English term “finger food”) with evening drinks. There may be a shortage of many things here in the Philippines, but appetites are not one of them.
Beaches, fiestas, mountain hikes, waterfalls, SM Pale Pisen and all with no rain. Well okay, one measly shower but I don’t think we could have timed our visit any better. Our time in Calbayog City in the province of Samar came to an end faster than a gecko catching a fly. We would have loved to stay put but we did have to get back to reality and our children (our cats.)
We had only 5 days left and we still had to travel with Teri’s sister and nieces back to Mariveles, Bataan to see her hard working left-at-home husband. Bebe and Orly own two stores that specialize in all kinds and varieties of roasted nuts, pork skins, etc. He could not leave the stores for an extended vacation, so I was going to make it up to him when we got there. (See lead photo.)
The wait for our return flight to Manila was not without the usual tearful exchange of hugs, kisses and goodbyes. We assured everyone that we would do everything in our power to return home to Samar as soon as physically possible. Everyone was well briefed on what we must accomplish before we can eventually purchase our one-way tickets home.
We boarded our plane, took off, and the return to Manila was again uneventful except this time I got to view Mt. Banahaw and Mt. San Cristobal under clear flying conditions. They were not as picturesque as Mayon, but striking and beautiful in their own right. In one hour we were at NAIA, on the ground gathering our luggage from the turnstile.
We proceeded quickly out the doors to the shuttle station that would deliver us to the bus station where the A/C liner to Mariveles awaited. Up until this point in my trip, I had exercised a great deal of patience in everything Pinoy and I was beginning to think I was actually becoming a new person until "the cutter" showed up.
After standing in and near the front of the shuttle line for about 25 minutes, the shuttle finally arrived. By this time the line had become quite long, and apparently too long for this young punk of a pinoy who decided he was too good to queue up like everyone else and was getting on this shuttle first.
I quickly came out of my quiet little shell, walked up to him and with a firm tap on his shoulder, pointed to the rear and said rather loudly “line” while pointing to the rear. He gave me a cold stare but quickly realized I had garnered the support of everyone in line behind me and retreated to the back of the queue. My asawa (who would never get involved in so much as a friendly food fight even if she was starving) just gave me the “look” and shook her head. These days when I get the “look”, I will just smile.
Our four hour aircon bus ride into the southern Bataan Province climaxed with a steep descent down the side of the southern Mariveles Mountain ridge and provided a magnificent view of the Bataan Freeport Zone. Mariveles, a first class municipality, sits at the base of Mt. Marivelles along the coast conjoined with the picturesque natural harbor which makes this city desirably attractive to a wide range of economic activity.
Brother Orly was home awaiting our arrival and almost the minute we arrived the second celebration began. More greets and hugs, food, drink, and all that goes with it. Although our time in Bataan Province was short, we managed to spend a day at a mountain river picnic spot where we ate and stayed refreshed in the clear cool waters descending Mt Mariveles.
Our last full day before departing for home, we again employed the driver and the van to take us to the Subic Freeport Zone, to visit the place that we once called home. Driving around the Subic and Olongapo areas was quite different than we remembered it as much progress and many new business had changed the landscape.
While my asawa seemed lost, I quickly directed the driver through town and the vaguely familiar streets to our old apartment down by the river. My asawa was amazed and said to everyone in the van, “I’m impressed – he can remember where we lived 25 years ago but he can’t remember to take out the garbage!” Much laughter ensued.
We then drove out to the Barrio to see some old sights, shopped at the new mall on Magsaysay, and then met for lunch at Texas Joe’s at Subic Freeport. We were met for lunch by Paul and Mayang Thompson, long-time residents of the area, and while Paul and I tossed back a few SMB’s and reminisced about Navy days and days gone by, the ladies and kids all went shopping again (have I ever mentioned my asawa’s favorite pastime?)
Upon their return, they enjoyed pony rides, watching skateboarding competition and just hanging out on the beach at the Subic bay front while Paul and I slowly finished off our adult beverage. Once we were all gathered, we said our goodbyes and departed back for Marivelles.
We hope someday to visit Olongapo and visit with the Thompson’s again as we had a rousing good time. I bought Orly a really nice bottle of Merot at the Mall for his bar at home. He even made me sign it before he put it on display along-side all the other famous names on his other bottles like Jack Daniels, Johnny Walker, etc. Needless to say, he was proud and happy.
The next day, our driver took us all to the NAIA departure terminal for our long trip home. The midnight departure gave us all full maximum use of our last day there and couldn’t have worked out any better as it gave us plenty of time to share hugs, kisses and goodbyes.
Once we got home, the jet lag (that we never experienced going) hit us both pretty hard and it took a full week to recover. Of course there was probably a little ‘depression’ mixed in, but nonetheless, it was a very long week. The jet lag finally disappeared but the depression looms on, understandably so. Looking back on the trip, I’m not sure which leg of the trip was longer, coming or going, but one thing is for sure. The next trip will only be one way.
Randy; Great series! Like you after several visits I found my self becoming more and more “pinoyized”, and our last trip to NAIA was the most difficult, I really didnt want to get back on the plane, well like you only one more trip and that will be a one way ticket. Also, your story made me realize, like you I have learned lots of patience with things that drive most westerners batspit crazy. But win I do snap a little (at a line cutter for example) I remember the silent support that the others in line gave me. Seems crazy, but at time Filipinos like having a ‘Kano” around to do things like that, that they have always wanted to do.
Sounds like you had a good time. Meeting with Paul and his wife at Texas Joe’s sounded great to me. He is a fun guy and is been here in the Philippines a long time. Paul HAS a man cave!
For some reason the jet lag really hits you flying west. A week to recover sounds normal. I can remember leaving Hong Kong at 10 in the morning and landing in the US at 10 in the morning…same day! Then it took me the rest of the day to get back to Michigan. I was wore out!!!
Gary, I’m jealous that Paul has a man cave.
I think patience really is a “golden virtue” in the RP. Makes no sense to argue over most things (except cutters). The perennial smile will get most of us by for everything else
You mean flying east, don’t you Gary? Flying west has never been a problem for me. I think the depression of being here vs. there is worse than anything though. It’s just a matter of time.
It IS a golden virtue in the PH, Randy. Just had an attempted cutter while leaving the Jordan Wharf in Guimaras the other day. Some cute Filipina tried to push her money in front of mine at the pump boat ticket office. “Am I invisible and you don’t see me?” I asked. “Sorry, sir.” was the reply. I just don’t get this butting in line mentality that I see so often here. Haven’t gotten used to that after three years and probably won’t.
I love that invisible line! I can have patience over many things but I will forever be a “Cutter Rebuter”. Like you, I just don’t get it. :\
That’s the thing, Randy. As you know the vast majority of Filipinos are so warm and friendly, but the cutting in line habit, I’m stumped.
East is what I meant Randy….back to the West.
As for line cutters, God help you if you cut in line when Meriam is there. 
You’ve got a good woman there, Gary.
Gotcha Gary
So Randy this is where you’re hanging out when you’re not at John or Bobs place? I share many of the same emotions as you and now consider the Philippines my home. However the wife still wants to come to the US and I promised her she could so my stage of life is a bit different than yours right now, especially with a one year old! Of course I fear that I may never get to retire there as at my age he’ll finish high school when I’m 72, lol. Ah, well we make our beds then we lay in them
I guess if your asawa has never been to the U.S., it would be a hard sell to talk her out of it. If you could only make her understand that these days in the land of Opportunity, Milk and Honey, that opportunity is becoming a rarity except for those with large sums of money and that the milk is quickly becoming spoiled. The Bees are either on strike or welfare and therefore not much honey to spread around. If only she understand how our tax code works. My asawa is tired of her tax dollars going to those who don’t deserve it. If it were me, I would feel better with my child in the Philippine school system these days, and especially more so at your age. See you around the blogs Mark!
My asawa spent nine years in the States before retiring to the Philippines, Randy. She really loved living in America, but is adjusting to life back in her home country. It’s difficult for her at times, and she misses her Filipino friends back in the States. I think when our extra income from Uncle Sam, Social Security, kicks in, hopefully, she’ll have more shopping opportunities which should brighten her mood.
I’m sorry if I came across as overly negative, and I do love my country but, things are changing quickly here and at the cost of the middle class. When you work hard everyday you can achieve a nice lifestyle here (or least you use to be able to), but the growing social class is taking more and more from us as each day passes. My asawa is self employed, pays hefty self employment taxes, and must work hard to bring home a descent wage. She’s privey to hoards of welfare recipients driving around all day wasting gas or just hanging out on street corners. Then there are the people at the local bowling alley bowling that bowl several leagues a week while receiving disability checks. She witnesses the shoppers at the grocery buying crap with food stamps then driving away in their new SUV. Of course there is much more and personally, she is fed up and so am I. You can live here and be oblivious to it all and, then when you start paying attention, it hits you in the head like a hockey puck in Pensacola! Once we make the move, we will definitely miss the space and relevant quietness of living here. What we will gain though is a family who works hard and genuinely cares, and a different kind of relaxation and peace of mind….knowing that we are not supporting the newest of entitlement generations. I feel like I could write a book on this….good thing I have no supply of SMB. Maybe next time I opine, I’ll submit it to Dave as an article.
Don’t think you’re being overly negative, Randy. I’m glad we made the move to the Philippines almost three years ago. The situation in America is worsening by the day. I’m afraid no matter who the next President is, it won’t make much difference. In the Philippines I can live without the rules and regulations that are choking the life out of America and have more freedom than I ever had in the States. I’m loving it in the PH. Perfect? No. Paradise? No. But the San Miguel Pale Pilsen sure goes down a lot smoother here.
Be glad to publish that article, Randy. Thanks for your previous posts.
Looks like I will have to come up with something Dave.
Sounds good, Randy, thanks.
RandyL.
Thanks alot for the continuing story of your trip. You are right things are not getting any better here in the US. They just had a big sting here in my part of Fl for Food Stamp Fraud. People selling there Access Cards to store owners. Had alot of arrests from it. Also arrestees coming to jail with the Access Cards and a pocket full of money. What are you going to do. Just wait for the one way ticket to your new life. Take care.
Nothing here amazes me anymore PapaDuck. Just counting my days.
America, going to hell in a hand basket, I think, PapaDuck. I still love my home country but invite those looking for REAL change to make the move to the Philippines like you guys are.
First arrived in P.I. back in 1971. Through the Naval Career got stationed there, and just pulled port calls. All in all, the one spot on this earth, I can truly relax, enjoy the culture, food, and Iced Cold SM. I was on the final flight out of Cubi in 1992. Now it is time to return for good. Retire in 33 days, already have Passport and 13A, wife is packing up Balikbayan Boxes, just have to take German Shepherds to VET for clearance. Then time to fly home and set out on Island Hopping Adventure. I wish to walk the path my Dad took before me during WWII, when the army returned.
I’m impressed Terry. You already have your 13a. That’s great. Should save you a lot of hassle. I still recommend any guys out there married to a Filipina to have your asawa sponsor you for the 13a Permanent Resident Visa. Beats going to your local BI office for an extension of your visa or leaving the country every year if you’re using the balikbayan.
Terry, If you would, keep me apprised of the “pet” process as we will be taking our cats. What transportation arrangements have you made for your animals? Cost? Thanks in advance.
Randy, my friend, Señor Frog from Canada, had his pets brought over to the Philippines. Here’s a link to his website’s contact page, maybe you could glean some info from him regarding the process.
Thanks buddy!
No problem, Randy.
What an enjoyable series. My wife and I have been married six years and have a six month old son. We live in Alabama and have property bought and paid for in Roxas City. Her family all lives in Iloilo and Roxas City. I have been many many times and am looking forward to my retirement and move in Nov 2014 unless I can sell my company beforehand. I would like to ask those in the know about the 13A visa? How do we obtain it before we make the move? Looking forward to reading all the great content here in the future.
Thanks for the comment, Ron C, and looking forward to meeting you some time in Iloilo. I obtained my 13a visa while in Manila as my asawa sponsored me for it. I know some of my readers have obtained their 13a beforehand as you plan to do. Anyone out there want to share their experiences with that? I know your wife will have to apply at the Philippine consulate in the United States and requirements may be different than what are needed than if applying in Manila.
Ron, I believe you will have to go to the Philippine embassy in Chicago to get your 13a. You can to to their website to find out all the requirements. They say it is easier and cheaper to get while still here rather than waiting until you get to the RP.
Don’t know about the windy city, applied for mine in San Francisco. Have all your paperwork in order, call for appointment (Interview), have correct or extra copies of all paperwork. $150.00 Cash. Smile, talk to the nice people, and if your there by 11:30AM, you can get it the same day.
Yeah it’s really that easy as long as you have all your i’s dotted and t’s crossed.
Terry, Because Ron is in Alabama I suggested Chicago because it it closer and may be more convenient.
I’ve been to the embassy in Chicago, Randy, nice people. Went there to get my asawa’s passport renewed to the PH. Checked on the 13a, but since we had a limited time frame, just opted to use the Balikbayan privilege instead. Got the 13a in Manila last year. In retrospect, if you can get the 13a in the States, I would recommend doing that.
Sounds like the way to go, Terry M. Thanks for the info. Sure a lot easier than getting one at Intramuros in Manila.
i would also like to know the process and outcome of bringing your big dogs to the philippines. maybe you can write an article for dave.
Maria, here is some info that my friend, Senor Frog, forwarded to Randy. Mr. Frog brought some pets over from Canada.
Guidelines for the Importation of Live Pet Animals to the Philippines
FOR DOGS AND CATS
1. Apply for an import permit with the Animal Health Division (AHD), Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) by writing a letter addressed to the BAI director containing the following information:
a. species and breed of animal
b. sex, color and number of pets
c. expected date of arrival
The BAI address and contact number is:
Animal Health Division*
Bureau of Animal Industry
Visayas Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines
Telephone no. (632) 928 2743; Fax no. (632) 928 2836 Website:www.bai.da.gov.ph
*Always inquire for new rates on inspection fees
2. If the number of animals to be brought to the Philippines exceeds five, the animals have to be inspected at quarantine site.
3. Issuance and inspection fees are 50 pesos and 165 pesos for the first two heads and 220 pesos for each succeeding head, respectively. Payment may be made upon arrival at the Veterinary Quarantine Unit, Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
4. A valid health certificate (issued shortly before shipment) from the country of origin must be presented upon arrival.
The permit is good for 2 months. Extension for another month may be requested before the permit’s expiry date.
________________________________________
FOR EXOTIC ANIMALS
1. Apply for an import permit as in A, number 1.
2. Arrange schedule with AHD for inspection of the quarantine site.
3. A CITES certification issued by the Parks and Wildlife Bureau shall be presented.
4. Issuance and inspection fees are 40 pesos and 10 to 50 pesos per head (depending on the size of the animal), respectively.
5. A valid health certificate from the country of origin shall be presented upon arrival.
Plant Quarantine Services:
Bureau of Plant Industry
612 San Andres, Malate, Manila
Tel. No.: (632) 404 0409
Fax. No.: (632) 521 7650 Email:bpinir@info.com.ph
The permit is good for 2 months. Extension for another month may be requested before the permit’s expiry date.
Thanks everyone…man I know it is alot easier than Manila.
Ron C ~ Whereabouts are you in Bama land?
Anything is easier than Manila, Ron C.
I applied for my 13A Visa in San Francisco, only took one day for it to be ready, since I arrived after 12:00PM. Otherwise it would have been a one day event. Very nice people, just like in the Philippines. . . . Then they hand me back a large envelope containing my Chest X-Ray and other paperwork inside, all taped up and labeled for BI personnel at Manila International Airport. Again. . . Dot your i’s and cross your T’s, then make copies of everything. Walk in with a smile, and you can also walk out with a smile. I did!
Wow! That was quick, Terry M! Only took you less than a day! That’s great! Took me four visits over a period of three weeks to Intramuros, and I paid Double “Express” fees. Didn’t have to have any prior medical examinations or x-rays at Manila, but I’m glad I have the 13a Visa now. Sure makes life simpler. Congrats, Terry, and thanks for sharing that info.